The Higgs Centre for Innovation in Edinburgh has officially reopened its Space Testing Facility after a nine-month closure and a £400,000 upgrade.
The upgrading has included the installation of new equipment which will provide a wider range of environmental testing of satellites and other spacecraft in advance of launch.
The facility, which is part of the University of Edinburgh, has undergone extensive renovations to improve its testing capabilities for space technologies. These enhancements are designed to support a wide range of space-related activities, including satellite testing and development.
The upgrades are expected to attract more commercial entities and research projects to the facility. By offering advanced testing capabilities, the Centre is expected to attract international collaborations and foster Edinburgh’s role as a hub for space innovation.
The Centre can now offer vibration, thermal, vacuum, optical, SpaceWire, electromagnetic compatibility, and radio frequency testing.
The Scottish Government has set ambitious goals to capture a significant share of the global space market by 2030 and the improvements at the Higgs Centre align with these objectives by providing state-of-the-art resources for both academic and commercial use.
Annelies Look, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Delivery Officer of UK Space Agency, said: “The relaunch of the Higgs Centre for Innovation’s Space Testing Facility will benefit Scotland and the UK as a whole, catalysing investment and strengthening our end-to-end space sector capabilities.”
“By providing affordable, world-class testing equipment and specialist guidance, the Higgs Centre is empowering early-stage tech start-ups and space SMEs to innovate, reduce risks, and bring their products to market faster.
“This will ensure that Scotland and the UK remain at the forefront of space exploration and technology, creating jobs and driving economic growth.”
